His TV work includes his SAG-winning outing as fictional U.S. president Josiah Bartlet in The West Wing.

Sheen said he was "honored by the exciting news" of being chosen for the Dubai plaudit.

"This esteemed recognition inspires me to continue doing what I love most: telling stories through the art of cinema," Sheen said. "I am very much looking forward to visiting Dubai in December and being immersed in the region's blossoming film industry."

Sheen will also take part in a public 'In Conversation with Martin Sheen' Q&A event, which will be held during the course of the festival.

Said Juma: "In that time, he has brought to life a huge variety of compelling, intelligent and wonderfully engaging characters on the big and small screens. We are honored to present Martin Sheen with the DIFF lifetime achievement award, and we look forward to welcoming him to Dubai."